Post by Stepney on Jun 10, 2005 13:38:53 GMT 1
Subject : Merlin is on his way home!
From : The Merlin Fund Committee
Date : 26.07.02 10:03:00 AM
Dear All,
Just a quick note to let you know that Merlin loaded into the lorry like a pro at 9am our time today, stuck his head in a hay net and is now on his way home.He has a stable booked for an overnight stay tonight in Spain and will then travel on into France.
ETA in England Sunday.
Please all send thoghts, Reiki, crossed fingers and we will give an update as we have more news.
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : layla
Date : 26.07.02 10:09:00 AM
Ahhhhh, such a happy ending for him, Sniff sniff.
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : JoMc
Date : 26.07.02 10:15:00 AM
Great news, well done all
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Sandi
Date : 26.07.02 10:23:00 AM
Well done you will all be relieved to get him home. Fantastic.
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : AngelaE
Date : 26.07.02 10:23:00 AM
Excellent news! Lots of Reiki on its way.
AEx
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Fizz
Date : 26.07.02 10:23:00 AM
Wonderful - Reiki on its way for the journey and the settling in!
Does he have his walnut bach flower remedy??? (for adjustment to change!)
Fx
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Mel
Date : 26.07.02 10:33:00 AM
Does anyone have any pictures of Merlin?
I'm new to this board.
Mel
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Lorraine L
Date : 26.07.02 10:34:00 AM
Can you post me your e-mail Mel and I will gladly send you his postcard.
xxx
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : layla
Date : 26.07.02 10:34:00 AM
Oh yes forgot, Reiki away too from me :0)
Mel if you email me I have some piccies.
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Rosie
Date : 26.07.02 10:42:00 AM
Excellent news - Ally will be like a cat on hot bricks!
Loads of love and best wishes
Rosie
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Ally S
Date : 26.07.02 11:11:00 AM
You're right there Rosie, I really am!! I spoke to Lynette from P&L transport last night, and he's going to arrive with me at 5pm on Tuesday. I'll get him some Bach remedy walnut as suggested by Fizz, as he's certainly in for a big change. Great news that he's on route. I still just can't believe we've done it!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Harriet
Date : 26.07.02 11:13:00 AM
Hurrah! And since it's going to be scorching hot this weekend he won't have a nasty shock with the weather - lol!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : diane
Date : 26.07.02 11:41:00 AM
Hurrah! This will be a LONG weekend for you, Ally!
Have you bought a nice big BBQ for when we all descend on your place?!?
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Sara
Date : 26.07.02 11:51:00 AM
Can you send me a Merlin postcard. I did send a cheque to you last week in aid of the Merlin fund. I hope you got it ok.
My email address is sara2001@angelfire.com
Thanks!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Dawn
Date : 26.07.02 11:55:00 AM
FANTASTIC :0) :0) :0) :0)
Ally I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited for you and for Merlin too xxx
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Ally S
Date : 26.07.02 12:17:00 AM
Diane, yes I've got the BBQ ready, although Jane suggested I open a Merlin II visitor centre! Great plan - I could do a top line in tacky Merlin embossed trinkets and souvenirs! Yes OK, p'raps not!!!
Sarah - if Lorraine doesn't send you the postcard, I will later - I have a copy of it on my home computer. And oh yes, this is going to be a long weekend!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Sara (Belgium)
Date : 26.07.02 12:31:00 AM
I've got a tear in my eye. Very best of luck with him Ally. Let's hope the journey goes well and he settles in no problem.
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Jetske
Date : 26.07.02 12:51:00 AM
Good luck Ally and most of all: have Muchos fun with your Spanish lad!
Well done everyone at the Merlin Fund!
xx Jetske
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : GJ
Date : 26.07.02 1:00:00 PM
So pleased to hear that he is on his way 'home', he certainly won't be able to believe his luck! Ally, here's wishing you loads of luck and a long and happy future with Merlin, you should be very proud of yourself - and the rest of you lot too!! It's so nice to know that sometimes there can be a happy ending.
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Merlin Committee
Date : 26.07.02 1:39:00 PM
You may have to wait for that BBQ as the Merlin Visitor Centre will not be completed for a while.
Seriously, just to re-cap on what has already been agreed, it is up to Ally to make arrangements for individual visitors but it has been agreed that there ought to be a 6 month settling in period before the coach parties arrive. So, pop the saussages in the freezer, keep the party packs on ice and watch this space....
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Gavin
Date : 26.07.02 4:03:00 PM
Wow, things are moving quickly now. Good luck on your trip home, Merlin.
This DG really has a lot to be proud of.
Gavin
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Mel
Date : 26.07.02 4:53:00 PM
Loraine / Layla
My e-mail is melaniel@wirtgen.co.uk.
Thanks a lot
Mel
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Olga
Date : 26.07.02 5:57:00 PM
WOW! Great news! Way to go Merlijntje :-)))
Ally I'm sure you'll love him, and he you, he's such a nice little horse, he really deserves a caring owner. But then, every horse does ...
I'm looking forward to crossing the Channel some day and visiting you both, if I may :-)
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Olga
Date : 26.07.02 5:57:00 PM
WOW! Great news! Way to go Merlijntje :-)))
Ally I'm sure you'll love him, and he you, he's such a nice little horse, he really deserves a caring owner. But then, every horse does ...
I'm looking forward to crossing the Channel some day and visiting you both, if I may :-)
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Ally S
Date : 26.07.02 6:05:00 PM
Olga, you're welcome any time of course!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Pauhla
Date : 26.07.02 6:16:00 PM
As long as it's via my house first Olga :0)))))))))))))
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Olga
Date : 26.07.02 6:32:00 PM
Hi there you two :-)))
OF COURSE I'll come and visit you first Pauhla - wouldn't dream of anything else LOL and will try to stay outside the 20 ft perimeter so as not to put your back up :-))))
Thanks Ally, I'd love to come!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Pauhla
Date : 26.07.02 6:58:00 PM
ROFL...I know I'm English, but I haven't had a complete sense-of-humour byepass you know!!!!!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Olga
Date : 26.07.02 8:14:00 PM
*GREATBIGGRIN*
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Sara (Belgium)
Date : 26.07.02 9:18:00 PM
How has his first day travelling gone? Please can we have daily updates I am a little concerned about the travel. As if I haven't got enough to worry about with my three!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Lynette
Date : 27.07.02 9:50:00 AM
Hi everyone
I have just been speaking to Martin of Richmonds who picked Merlin up and all is well with his first day of travelling. I shall be picking him up from Martin for about 9am on Tuesday. He will be the second horse to be loaded that day as the first horse (a 24yr old that is coming down to a retirement home on The Lizard) is being picked up from Great Bookham. There is only one other horse to be picked up from Swindon and that is a 30yr that is also coming down to St. Mawgan Cornwall (RAF posting) so Merlin will have company all the way and will be the first horse to be delivered late afternoon/early evening.
May I congratulate all of you on your hard work and wonderful friendship in bring this about.
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Lorraine L
Date : 27.07.02 12:31:00 AM
Thanks Lynette, you're a star.
xxx
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Pauhla
Date : 27.07.02 5:09:00 PM
Swindon???He's almost going past my door then :0))))))))))))
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Lynette
Date : 28.07.02 10:34:00 AM
Hi everyone.
Merlin has arrived in England and has coped very well with the travelling. He will now be rested until I pick him up Tuesday morning
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Rosie
Date : 28.07.02 10:43:00 AM
Excellent news - and he has arrived with the sunshine! I hope he enjoys his rest!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Jane
Date : 28.07.02 3:06:00 PM
Oh Ally, the days must feel like months!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Ally S
Date : 28.07.02 4:57:00 PM
They do that! I'm just so pleased he's arrived in the UK and so pleased with the weather. I hope he has a lovely rest before his final journey on Tuesday. I can't wait to meet him - it'll be like meeting royalty!!
I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who's wished me and Merlin well. I really appreaciate it, and if Merlin only knew what's been going on, I'm sure he would too!!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Lorraine L
Date : 28.07.02 5:25:00 PM
Do you know that I just looked up the original posting concerning the story of Merlin. It is just 4 weeks and 4 days since Pauhla and Olga visited Merlin and Sandra in Madrid and told us of his plight.
I still have to pinch myself that SO many people from all over the world have pulled together to change the life of one little spanish horse !!
Thanks again everyone - very, very best wishes to Ally and Merlin for a really happy future together.
xxx
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : AngelaE
Date : 28.07.02 7:55:00 PM
Wow!! Just goes to show how much can be achieved when you put your mind to it!
Good luck Ally and Merlin!!
AngelaE
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Adrian
Date : 28.07.02 8:05:00 PM
There has been so much put into getting Merlin out of those horrible conditions, my life will seem empty now without having all those emails we have needed to get everything to this stage. But I will know he is somewhere safe for the rest of his life and we can look after him.
Thank you everyone for your money, your time, your thoughts, everything!!!
Just shows that even a tiny drop in the ocean like the lovely rescue we have done for Merlin needs a lot of people supporting it in all sorts of ways.
I would like to personally thank the rest of the Merlin Committee as well for their hard work and time.
Well done everyone!!!
Good luck to Ally and Merlin!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : rosemary_hannah
Date : 28.07.02 9:09:00 PM
Great news!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : eileen
Date : 28.07.02 9:54:00 PM
just wonderful news, can't work out who is the luckiest though, ally or merlin!!!?? a big thanks to the committee and everyone who made this possible and a special hug for ally, please give merlin a big cuddle from me good luck love eileen xx
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Veronica F
Date : 28.07.02 10:11:00 PM
Really great news,well done everyone,and sending best wishes Ally for you with merlin and hugs for merlin too lots of love V xxx
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Jane
Date : 28.07.02 11:29:00 PM
For anyone who doesn’t know Ally, I’m now going to sing her praises. I’m totally biased because she’s a friend, but I do feel qualified because our friendship initially developed as she guided me through problems I was experiencing with my horse.
We met about 2 ½ years ago when a mutual friend introduced us. I couldn’t catch my horse, and when I did catch him (or should I say if!), he flatly refused to move from the field. Ally had just that week finished her 5-day course with Kelly and agreed to help me, although she felt unable to promise results due to her (then) relative lack of experience. She shouldn’t have worried. She was an excellent communicator who set me on a new path to a deeper understanding and a vastly improved relationship with my horse. Most importantly, she made me think. And as we continue to bounce news and ideas backwards and forwards, her help and support is utterly invaluable. Ally has given me the confidence to think for myself and to learn from my horse, and I believe that’s the most important thing of all.
I know I sound like I’m writing a reference here, but I think she deserves it in the current circumstances ... I’ve since watched as she’s worked with other people, helping them to approach their horses in a different way, and I really feel she has a gift. As well as what seems to me to be a strong empathy for horses, enhanced by hard work, she is also a great communicator with people – perhaps that’s part of the same package.
As for all the people she’s helped at weekends, simply because she “enjoys it” (her words, no doubt true – but I really think it’s also her total commitment to the welfare of horses that drives her), well, Ally often does this for nothing but petrol money and, if she’s lucky, a pub meal at lunchtime. I know she has often had to settle for far less. Once or twice, she’s been set up to go hacking on a dangerous horse that everyone else in a yard is scared to ride – how can people be so blatantly vicious? I just thank god that she has survived some of those experiences intact. She must surely have abilities for those people to feel so threatened by her.
So what I am trying to say here is that I believe Ally deserves the opportunity and reward of having a horse such as Merlin, who she can develop a relationship with over the longer term, to work with and love with the depth that a person who truly understands and respects horses can achieve.
Ally, sorry to be such a soppy cow. But you really do deserve it!
Jane and Baron x
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Ally S
Date : 29.07.02 9:09:00 AM
Jane that is so lovely of you to say all that. I'm really touched. In return I have to say I wish everyone was as willing to further their horsey understanding and knowledge as you. All I did was pointed you in a direction, and you then romped off and haven't stopped since. Most importantly you didn't blame the horse, but worked your backside off to overcome the problems with Baron whilst building a real partnership. He's a different boy now and you should be proud of that.
Thanks again, and I shall now be deeply embarassed if on Wednesday I'm posting threads saying I can't catch him!!!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Jetske
Date : 29.07.02 9:20:00 AM
Judging from the last to posts on this thread, the two of you [Jane and Ally] share a friendship to cherish!
Good luck, xx Jetske
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Sandi
Date : 29.07.02 9:21:00 AM
Good luck Ally enjoy your Spanish boy, A toast to you both for a long and happy time to-gether, its only tea but it is still morning.
sandi
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Sara (Belgium)
Date : 29.07.02 9:30:00 AM
Wonderful news all round - first Merlin has travelled well and gets to rest until tomorrow. I was so worried that he would be stressed by the journey or that it would hurt his bad feet. Second that Ally you sound like a fantastic person and Merlin couldn't wish for a better home. I'll certainly be planning a trip to the Merlin Visitor Centre next year - Belgian beer and choccies sound like a fair swap for a "guided tour"?
Very best of luck with him Ally - don't forget to take photos!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Ally S
Date : 29.07.02 1:15:00 PM
Sara, a tour as a swop for Belgian beer and choccies sounds great to me! Sandi, I joined in your toast with a cup a soup! Roll on tomorrow...
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : arabmania
Date : 30.07.02 1:29:00 AM
i wish you every good luck in the world..........you deserve it!
heres to merlin!!!! and his new start in life!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Gavin
Date : 30.07.02 2:27:00 AM
It sounds like Merlin is going to a fantastic home with you, Ally......... will a stubbie of Fosters and a jar of Vegemite get me the same tour?
Gavin
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Ally S
Date : 30.07.02 6:30:00 AM
Hey Gavin, I love Vegemite! Take that as a yes!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Jeannie
Date : 30.07.02 8:51:00 AM
Good luck today Ally..hope it all goes well.
From : The Merlin Fund Committee
Date : 26.07.02 10:03:00 AM
Dear All,
Just a quick note to let you know that Merlin loaded into the lorry like a pro at 9am our time today, stuck his head in a hay net and is now on his way home.He has a stable booked for an overnight stay tonight in Spain and will then travel on into France.
ETA in England Sunday.
Please all send thoghts, Reiki, crossed fingers and we will give an update as we have more news.
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : layla
Date : 26.07.02 10:09:00 AM
Ahhhhh, such a happy ending for him, Sniff sniff.
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : JoMc
Date : 26.07.02 10:15:00 AM
Great news, well done all
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Sandi
Date : 26.07.02 10:23:00 AM
Well done you will all be relieved to get him home. Fantastic.
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : AngelaE
Date : 26.07.02 10:23:00 AM
Excellent news! Lots of Reiki on its way.
AEx
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Fizz
Date : 26.07.02 10:23:00 AM
Wonderful - Reiki on its way for the journey and the settling in!
Does he have his walnut bach flower remedy??? (for adjustment to change!)
Fx
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Mel
Date : 26.07.02 10:33:00 AM
Does anyone have any pictures of Merlin?
I'm new to this board.
Mel
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Lorraine L
Date : 26.07.02 10:34:00 AM
Can you post me your e-mail Mel and I will gladly send you his postcard.
xxx
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : layla
Date : 26.07.02 10:34:00 AM
Oh yes forgot, Reiki away too from me :0)
Mel if you email me I have some piccies.
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Rosie
Date : 26.07.02 10:42:00 AM
Excellent news - Ally will be like a cat on hot bricks!
Loads of love and best wishes
Rosie
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Ally S
Date : 26.07.02 11:11:00 AM
You're right there Rosie, I really am!! I spoke to Lynette from P&L transport last night, and he's going to arrive with me at 5pm on Tuesday. I'll get him some Bach remedy walnut as suggested by Fizz, as he's certainly in for a big change. Great news that he's on route. I still just can't believe we've done it!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Harriet
Date : 26.07.02 11:13:00 AM
Hurrah! And since it's going to be scorching hot this weekend he won't have a nasty shock with the weather - lol!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : diane
Date : 26.07.02 11:41:00 AM
Hurrah! This will be a LONG weekend for you, Ally!
Have you bought a nice big BBQ for when we all descend on your place?!?
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Sara
Date : 26.07.02 11:51:00 AM
Can you send me a Merlin postcard. I did send a cheque to you last week in aid of the Merlin fund. I hope you got it ok.
My email address is sara2001@angelfire.com
Thanks!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Dawn
Date : 26.07.02 11:55:00 AM
FANTASTIC :0) :0) :0) :0)
Ally I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited for you and for Merlin too xxx
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Ally S
Date : 26.07.02 12:17:00 AM
Diane, yes I've got the BBQ ready, although Jane suggested I open a Merlin II visitor centre! Great plan - I could do a top line in tacky Merlin embossed trinkets and souvenirs! Yes OK, p'raps not!!!
Sarah - if Lorraine doesn't send you the postcard, I will later - I have a copy of it on my home computer. And oh yes, this is going to be a long weekend!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Sara (Belgium)
Date : 26.07.02 12:31:00 AM
I've got a tear in my eye. Very best of luck with him Ally. Let's hope the journey goes well and he settles in no problem.
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Jetske
Date : 26.07.02 12:51:00 AM
Good luck Ally and most of all: have Muchos fun with your Spanish lad!
Well done everyone at the Merlin Fund!
xx Jetske
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : GJ
Date : 26.07.02 1:00:00 PM
So pleased to hear that he is on his way 'home', he certainly won't be able to believe his luck! Ally, here's wishing you loads of luck and a long and happy future with Merlin, you should be very proud of yourself - and the rest of you lot too!! It's so nice to know that sometimes there can be a happy ending.
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Merlin Committee
Date : 26.07.02 1:39:00 PM
You may have to wait for that BBQ as the Merlin Visitor Centre will not be completed for a while.
Seriously, just to re-cap on what has already been agreed, it is up to Ally to make arrangements for individual visitors but it has been agreed that there ought to be a 6 month settling in period before the coach parties arrive. So, pop the saussages in the freezer, keep the party packs on ice and watch this space....
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Gavin
Date : 26.07.02 4:03:00 PM
Wow, things are moving quickly now. Good luck on your trip home, Merlin.
This DG really has a lot to be proud of.
Gavin
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Mel
Date : 26.07.02 4:53:00 PM
Loraine / Layla
My e-mail is melaniel@wirtgen.co.uk.
Thanks a lot
Mel
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Olga
Date : 26.07.02 5:57:00 PM
WOW! Great news! Way to go Merlijntje :-)))
Ally I'm sure you'll love him, and he you, he's such a nice little horse, he really deserves a caring owner. But then, every horse does ...
I'm looking forward to crossing the Channel some day and visiting you both, if I may :-)
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Olga
Date : 26.07.02 5:57:00 PM
WOW! Great news! Way to go Merlijntje :-)))
Ally I'm sure you'll love him, and he you, he's such a nice little horse, he really deserves a caring owner. But then, every horse does ...
I'm looking forward to crossing the Channel some day and visiting you both, if I may :-)
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Ally S
Date : 26.07.02 6:05:00 PM
Olga, you're welcome any time of course!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Pauhla
Date : 26.07.02 6:16:00 PM
As long as it's via my house first Olga :0)))))))))))))
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Olga
Date : 26.07.02 6:32:00 PM
Hi there you two :-)))
OF COURSE I'll come and visit you first Pauhla - wouldn't dream of anything else LOL and will try to stay outside the 20 ft perimeter so as not to put your back up :-))))
Thanks Ally, I'd love to come!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Pauhla
Date : 26.07.02 6:58:00 PM
ROFL...I know I'm English, but I haven't had a complete sense-of-humour byepass you know!!!!!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Olga
Date : 26.07.02 8:14:00 PM
*GREATBIGGRIN*
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Sara (Belgium)
Date : 26.07.02 9:18:00 PM
How has his first day travelling gone? Please can we have daily updates I am a little concerned about the travel. As if I haven't got enough to worry about with my three!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Lynette
Date : 27.07.02 9:50:00 AM
Hi everyone
I have just been speaking to Martin of Richmonds who picked Merlin up and all is well with his first day of travelling. I shall be picking him up from Martin for about 9am on Tuesday. He will be the second horse to be loaded that day as the first horse (a 24yr old that is coming down to a retirement home on The Lizard) is being picked up from Great Bookham. There is only one other horse to be picked up from Swindon and that is a 30yr that is also coming down to St. Mawgan Cornwall (RAF posting) so Merlin will have company all the way and will be the first horse to be delivered late afternoon/early evening.
May I congratulate all of you on your hard work and wonderful friendship in bring this about.
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Lorraine L
Date : 27.07.02 12:31:00 AM
Thanks Lynette, you're a star.
xxx
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Pauhla
Date : 27.07.02 5:09:00 PM
Swindon???He's almost going past my door then :0))))))))))))
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Lynette
Date : 28.07.02 10:34:00 AM
Hi everyone.
Merlin has arrived in England and has coped very well with the travelling. He will now be rested until I pick him up Tuesday morning
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Rosie
Date : 28.07.02 10:43:00 AM
Excellent news - and he has arrived with the sunshine! I hope he enjoys his rest!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Jane
Date : 28.07.02 3:06:00 PM
Oh Ally, the days must feel like months!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Ally S
Date : 28.07.02 4:57:00 PM
They do that! I'm just so pleased he's arrived in the UK and so pleased with the weather. I hope he has a lovely rest before his final journey on Tuesday. I can't wait to meet him - it'll be like meeting royalty!!
I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who's wished me and Merlin well. I really appreaciate it, and if Merlin only knew what's been going on, I'm sure he would too!!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Lorraine L
Date : 28.07.02 5:25:00 PM
Do you know that I just looked up the original posting concerning the story of Merlin. It is just 4 weeks and 4 days since Pauhla and Olga visited Merlin and Sandra in Madrid and told us of his plight.
I still have to pinch myself that SO many people from all over the world have pulled together to change the life of one little spanish horse !!
Thanks again everyone - very, very best wishes to Ally and Merlin for a really happy future together.
xxx
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : AngelaE
Date : 28.07.02 7:55:00 PM
Wow!! Just goes to show how much can be achieved when you put your mind to it!
Good luck Ally and Merlin!!
AngelaE
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Adrian
Date : 28.07.02 8:05:00 PM
There has been so much put into getting Merlin out of those horrible conditions, my life will seem empty now without having all those emails we have needed to get everything to this stage. But I will know he is somewhere safe for the rest of his life and we can look after him.
Thank you everyone for your money, your time, your thoughts, everything!!!
Just shows that even a tiny drop in the ocean like the lovely rescue we have done for Merlin needs a lot of people supporting it in all sorts of ways.
I would like to personally thank the rest of the Merlin Committee as well for their hard work and time.
Well done everyone!!!
Good luck to Ally and Merlin!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : rosemary_hannah
Date : 28.07.02 9:09:00 PM
Great news!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : eileen
Date : 28.07.02 9:54:00 PM
just wonderful news, can't work out who is the luckiest though, ally or merlin!!!?? a big thanks to the committee and everyone who made this possible and a special hug for ally, please give merlin a big cuddle from me good luck love eileen xx
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Veronica F
Date : 28.07.02 10:11:00 PM
Really great news,well done everyone,and sending best wishes Ally for you with merlin and hugs for merlin too lots of love V xxx
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Jane
Date : 28.07.02 11:29:00 PM
For anyone who doesn’t know Ally, I’m now going to sing her praises. I’m totally biased because she’s a friend, but I do feel qualified because our friendship initially developed as she guided me through problems I was experiencing with my horse.
We met about 2 ½ years ago when a mutual friend introduced us. I couldn’t catch my horse, and when I did catch him (or should I say if!), he flatly refused to move from the field. Ally had just that week finished her 5-day course with Kelly and agreed to help me, although she felt unable to promise results due to her (then) relative lack of experience. She shouldn’t have worried. She was an excellent communicator who set me on a new path to a deeper understanding and a vastly improved relationship with my horse. Most importantly, she made me think. And as we continue to bounce news and ideas backwards and forwards, her help and support is utterly invaluable. Ally has given me the confidence to think for myself and to learn from my horse, and I believe that’s the most important thing of all.
I know I sound like I’m writing a reference here, but I think she deserves it in the current circumstances ... I’ve since watched as she’s worked with other people, helping them to approach their horses in a different way, and I really feel she has a gift. As well as what seems to me to be a strong empathy for horses, enhanced by hard work, she is also a great communicator with people – perhaps that’s part of the same package.
As for all the people she’s helped at weekends, simply because she “enjoys it” (her words, no doubt true – but I really think it’s also her total commitment to the welfare of horses that drives her), well, Ally often does this for nothing but petrol money and, if she’s lucky, a pub meal at lunchtime. I know she has often had to settle for far less. Once or twice, she’s been set up to go hacking on a dangerous horse that everyone else in a yard is scared to ride – how can people be so blatantly vicious? I just thank god that she has survived some of those experiences intact. She must surely have abilities for those people to feel so threatened by her.
So what I am trying to say here is that I believe Ally deserves the opportunity and reward of having a horse such as Merlin, who she can develop a relationship with over the longer term, to work with and love with the depth that a person who truly understands and respects horses can achieve.
Ally, sorry to be such a soppy cow. But you really do deserve it!
Jane and Baron x
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Ally S
Date : 29.07.02 9:09:00 AM
Jane that is so lovely of you to say all that. I'm really touched. In return I have to say I wish everyone was as willing to further their horsey understanding and knowledge as you. All I did was pointed you in a direction, and you then romped off and haven't stopped since. Most importantly you didn't blame the horse, but worked your backside off to overcome the problems with Baron whilst building a real partnership. He's a different boy now and you should be proud of that.
Thanks again, and I shall now be deeply embarassed if on Wednesday I'm posting threads saying I can't catch him!!!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Jetske
Date : 29.07.02 9:20:00 AM
Judging from the last to posts on this thread, the two of you [Jane and Ally] share a friendship to cherish!
Good luck, xx Jetske
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Sandi
Date : 29.07.02 9:21:00 AM
Good luck Ally enjoy your Spanish boy, A toast to you both for a long and happy time to-gether, its only tea but it is still morning.
sandi
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Sara (Belgium)
Date : 29.07.02 9:30:00 AM
Wonderful news all round - first Merlin has travelled well and gets to rest until tomorrow. I was so worried that he would be stressed by the journey or that it would hurt his bad feet. Second that Ally you sound like a fantastic person and Merlin couldn't wish for a better home. I'll certainly be planning a trip to the Merlin Visitor Centre next year - Belgian beer and choccies sound like a fair swap for a "guided tour"?
Very best of luck with him Ally - don't forget to take photos!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Ally S
Date : 29.07.02 1:15:00 PM
Sara, a tour as a swop for Belgian beer and choccies sounds great to me! Sandi, I joined in your toast with a cup a soup! Roll on tomorrow...
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : arabmania
Date : 30.07.02 1:29:00 AM
i wish you every good luck in the world..........you deserve it!
heres to merlin!!!! and his new start in life!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Gavin
Date : 30.07.02 2:27:00 AM
It sounds like Merlin is going to a fantastic home with you, Ally......... will a stubbie of Fosters and a jar of Vegemite get me the same tour?
Gavin
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Ally S
Date : 30.07.02 6:30:00 AM
Hey Gavin, I love Vegemite! Take that as a yes!
Subject : re:- Merlin is on his way home!
From : Jeannie
Date : 30.07.02 8:51:00 AM
Good luck today Ally..hope it all goes well.